Church health partners play a vital frontline role in delivering both medical care and community leadership in Papua New Guinea (PNG) with the continued support from Australia through trainings and other forms of support.Just recently, 25 church leaders and health workers participated in a training session in Port Moresby city, intended to strengthen responses to Gender-Based Violence (GBV), Sorcery Accusation Related Violence (SARV), and promoting good governance in community health systems. At the 9-Mile clinic in Port Moresby, Sr. Maria Runane thanked the Australian Government for the grant support highlighting that “Every one of us, including youths, need to be trained so that we can bring change to our community.” The training focused on nurturing good governance and anti-corruption practices within faith-based health services. The workshop, delivered by Christian Health Services (CHS) was supported though the Community Justice Fund under the Australia-Papua New Guinea Law and Justice Partnership (APLJ). Its goal is creating more awareness and prevention practices around prevailing community issues such as GBV and SARV as well as raising the standards of care and support for survivors, and improving referral pathways between health providers, churches, and justice institutions. CHS Deputy Charmain, Hector Morries, said “The purpose of the training is to strengthen the ability of CHS’s extensive network of churches and health centers across PNG to provide a proactive and integrated approach to addressing GBV and SARV.” Through the PNG–Aus Partnership, Australia continues to support the church health services to strengthen safe, inclusive communities and improve access to justice and essential services across Papua New Guinea.

The Kakondo community, in the Simbu province, now has access to lighting following the successful installation of a solar lighting project.The project, which was funded by Puma Energy Foundation, is managed by Kakondo Solar Energy Life (KaSEL) and benefits 50 households. As part of the project, a total of 60 streetlights along the community highway were installed along with a renewable solar power station, were installed at a newly built community resource center (CRC). Also included in the project are new communal areas. The community resource centre will be used as a hub for training, meetings, youth engagement, digital access, and community coordination. The installations of the solar lights along the streets and at the resource center address the community’s immediate need for adequate lighting in key areas and services locations. This is a common issue across many rural communities in Papua New Guinea and is accessible only to 20% of the population. “This initiative now provides reliable and clean energy, not only powering the facility but also extending electricity supply within a 100-meter radius to over 50 households -demonstrating a replicable model for rural solar electrification,” said KaSEL Chairman Mauro Okrupa. “Additionally, the funding enabled the installation of 60 solar streetlights strategically placed across 36 traditional houses, schools, aid posts, and public marketplaces throughout the Kakondo tribal communities. “These developments have greatly enhanced safety, improved livelihoods, strengthened community resilience and provide job creation opportunities.” Port Moresby Charity Committee representative, Olivia Lam, said: “The Puma Energy Foundation partners with organizations that provide clean and reliable energy to rural households.  “Without energy, communities cannot tackle issues like high energy cost, public safety concerns, poverty and public health. This is why the Foundation invests in providing clean energy and eco-friendly infrastructure to address these challenges.” To foster sustainable livelihood opportunities, stronger local capacity and access to clean energy, the Puma Energy Foundation has been working with partners over the last three years to empower entrepreneurs and young people. The first community funded project saw the successful construction of a 4-in-1 classroom on Pirtop Island in East New Britain Province. This classroom is now providing a clean and secure learning environment for more than 100 students. This is the second Puma Foundation community funded project in PNG.

Prime Minister (PM) James Marape has formally welcomed Türkiye’s plans to establish a permanent embassy in the country, during a courtesy call at the Melanesian House in Port Moresby yesterday.Marape described the meeting as a historic milestone in bilateral relations. He added that Türkiye plans to establish its regional base in Port Moresby for engagement with other Pacific countries. The Ambassador held a bilateral discussion with the Prime Minister on fostering stronger diplomatic, economic, and development cooperation. In supporting Türkiye’s diplomatic establishment, including facilitating land for an embassy site, Marape highlighted PNG’s intention to establish a mission in Türkiye in the future. He said that this new diplomatic relationship would promote a stronger trade, investment, and people-to-people ties. Climate change, environmental protection, and sustainable development are other areas PNG is interested in expanding, Marape noted. Due to PNG's strategic location, leadership, and development potential, it was selected as Türkiye's first diplomatic base, according to Ambassador Bilgin Ozkan. She reaffirmed that Port Moresby will serve as Türkiye’s regional hub for its engagement in the Pacific. Both sides agreed to explore further cooperation including trade, investment and possible visa facilitation to support closer ties. Diplomatic relations between Papua New Guinea and Türkiye were established in 1979, with Türkiye now officially opening its first resident embassy in Port Moresby.

Following the meeting with Charge d’Affaires Mr. Alex Berengberg of the U.S. Embassy in Port Moresby, Prime Minister (PM) James Marape has welcomed continued cooperation with the United States.The meeting yesterday was aimed at strengthening bilateral relationship between the countries in key areas including fuel security, disaster response, and long-term infrastructure development. Prime Minister, Marape, acknowledged the United States’ continued support during the current global crisis. “The United States has indicated they are working closely with Fuel Importers to ensure supply into Papua New Guinea remains stable, and they stand ready to support us through this period,” Prime Minister Marape said. He further welcomed the U.S to working closely with regional and international partners in supporting the disaster relief and restoration efforts following the devastating impacts of Tropical Cyclone (TC), Malia. “They have conveyed that additional assistance will be made available as we provide further advice on priority areas for support,” he added. Marape highlighted the PNG government’s long-term priorities, including restoring affected coastal communities. “We are looking at long-term solutions to better connect our island communities through transport and digital infrastructure, while also building resilience against climate and weather-related challenges,” he said. Further on energy cooperation, Marape mentioned continued dialogue under the PNG-US Defense Cooperation Agreement including Fuel Storage and Supply capacity. He stressed Papua New Guinea’s strong partnership with the United States across development, security, and economic cooperation. Also covered in the meeting were cooperation efforts on Visa and Migration matters; with the U.S. stating it remains ready to assist Papua New Guineans, subject to their internal processes. The PNG Government will soon formally engage development partners alongside the United States, Marape said. These collaborations would provide target support for disaster preparedness, response, and recovery efforts to ensure affected families and communities across the country are better protected and are more resilient to future disasters.

Women in Rai Coast District have received K10,000 to support community projects. The Rai Coast District Development Authority (RDDA) gave the money to women representatives from Astrolabe Bay Local Level Government. Acting District Administrator Hans Tanguri handed over the funds on behalf of Rai Coast MP Kessy Sawang. "The support is part of the new District Women’s Council, which is now fully operating in the district," he said. The council will bring women together and support small projects in rural communities. It will also help coordinate development activities led by women. Women leaders in Astrolabe Bay welcomed the funding. They said it will help them continue work that supports families and villages. One representative said the council gives women a stronger voice and better access to support. MP Kessy Sawang said women play an important role in local development. She said more support will be given to other Local Level Governments in the district. RDDA plans to roll out more funding to women groups across Rai Coast later this year.

A new house with solar power has been completed in Kulel village in the Rai Coast District, a first for the district in Madang province. The house was built for a community health worker and funded by the Rai Coast District Development Authority at a cost of K75,000. It was completed in March. For many years, health workers in remote areas of Papua New Guinea have faced poor housing and lack of electricity. This has made it hard to stay and work in rural communities. The new house aims to change that. It provides proper accommodation and solar lighting, allowing health services to continue even at night. Rai Coast MP Kessy Sawang said the project is part of an effort to improve basic services in rural areas. “We want our health workers to stay in the community and serve our people,” she said. People in Kulel say the house will improve access to health care. They say having a health worker nearby means faster treatment and better response to emergencies. The project is small but important for the village. Sawang said more development is planned, including a new aid post for Kulel this year. For now, the solar-powered house is a simple but important step for better health care in the community.

Australia is prioritizing funding to help restore critical road links in Tropical Cyclone Maila impacted communities in Bougainville and Milne Bay. Under the Transport Sector Support Program Phase 3 (TSSP3), emergency efforts will begin next week alongside the Bougainville Government and the Papua New Guinea Department of Works and Highways. Initial efforts have reconnected communities from Kokopau to Arawa and Buin through restoring access at key wet crossings and along the Bougainville Trunk Road. On April 15, a temporary wet crossing was restored and opened light to vehicles at Ramazon. On April 16, repair works began at Pangara after earlier delays caused by landslide. Contractors are now able to access the site to begin emergency work on the wet crossing. Fortunately, the newly built Tavera Bridge under TSSP3 remained largely undamaged during the cyclone, allowing uninterrupted access into the surrounding area. There is debris clearing, washout repairing and restoring of damaged road sections along the Bougainville Trunk Road. Restoration includes reshaping road surfaces, clearing drains, stabilizing riverbanks and repairing culvert damage. These works are helping to reopen access for communities impacted by flooding and landslides. In Milne Bay, the Magi Highway and East Coast Road are being cleared for affected communities. Restoration activities were carried out by Global Constructions and Jala Transport, TSSP3-funded contractors, in close coordination with local community. This rapid response allows the reopening of keys routes to markets and schools and enabling health services to reach areas more quickly. Australia is working in close consultation with the Government of Papua New Guinea and the Autonomous Region of Bougainville to assist immediate recovery response. In the coming weeks, further efforts will continue as conditions allow, with a focus on restoring safe and reliable access, with the intention of strengthening longer-term infrastructure for communities across affected areas.

Landowner subsidiary companies (Lancos) under Mineral Resources Development Company (MRDC) have sponsored two students who received top academic honors at the University of Goroka (UOG) 29th Graduation ceremony, held this week.Kuwimb Hugum, who claimed the Outstanding Academic Performance Award, gained sponsorship from Petroleum Resources Moran under Petroleum License (PDL) 5 while Tonnica Nandie received the TVET Outstanding Academic Performance Award and sponsored by Gas Hides 4.The award recipients were among 33 sponsored students who graduated during the ceremony.These graduates were all from the mining, oil and gas project impacted areas across Papua New Guinea, who completed Diploma and Bachelor’s degrees across various academic disciplines as part of the University’s graduating cohort of more than 1,000 students.All graduates were supported through the Education Subsidy Program managed by MRDC, which is administered on behalf of its landowner subsidiary companies to assist eligible students from resource project impacted communities.In attendance at the ceremony were MRDC’s External Unit with petroleum Resources Gob (PRG) Chairman, Mr. Mathew Sisimolu, to witness the milestone achievement. MRDC Managing Director Mr. Augustine Mano congratulated the graduates, reaffirming the company’s ongoing commitment to education as a driver of national development.“Education is a key driver of development, and through the Education Subsidy Program, MRDC and its subsidiaries have supported many students since 2022 to pursue and achieve their academic goals,” Mr. Mano said.“MRDC and its landowner subsidiaries remain committed to supporting students from resource project impacted communities. Investment in educationcontinues to be a priority. With the qualifications they have obtained, these graduates are now well positioned to contribute meaningfully to their communities and to the development of the country.”

Following the devastating impact of Cyclone Maila, Australia has provided further humanitarian support to affected areas in Milne Bay province. Delivering critical food supplies to affected families in Milne Bay ensures access to nutrition while recovery and relief efforts continue. The Royal Australian Air Force C-27J Spartan aircraft flew Mr. Ewen McDonald to Alotau, the Australian High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea. Supporting the response efforts was a PNGDF aircraft crew. This support is part of the ongoing humanitarian commitment from the Government of Australia, building on the K3 million (approx. AUD 1.1 million) initially provided to boost national response. “We are family with PNG. Our whole mission, including the people we have on the ground here, has been focused on this priority and no other priority than responding to cyclone Maila over the last week,” said the High Commissioner. “Australia will support this recovery now but also the rebuilding across the country that is required of road infrastructure,” he added. McDonald joined PNG Prime Minister James Marape, who has been visiting some of the remote affected areas. Australia’s assistance is being delivered in multiple ways including direct support to the Government of Papua New Guinea and funding through non-government organizations. Through these partners, local communities can receive hygiene kits, clean water, and emergency shelters. As detailed assessments of damage continue to emerge, Australia remains prepared to provide further support, in close consultation with the PNG government.

Prime Minister (PM) James Marape has emphasized the importance of peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region, calling on major global powers to prioritize cooperation over conflict in these difficult times in the world. The prime minister made the remarks during a recent high-level discussion with Mr. Matsuoka Hideaki, Outgoing Chief Representative of the Japan International Cooperation Agency; Mr. Shirouzu Kenichi, Incoming Chief Representative of JICA; and His Excellency (H.E) Hisanobu Mochizuki, Ambassador of Japan to Papua New Guinea (PNG). “We live in a connected world where what happens in one region affects all of us,” he said. “We must promote peace, coexistence, and respect for international laws governing land, sea, and air.” PM Marape also acknowledged Japan’s invitation to the Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM) and expressed his intention to continue strengthening bilateral relations at the highest level. “I have attended previous PALM meetings and look forward to continuing this important engagement,” he said. “Japan remains one of Papua New Guinea’s most trusted and longstanding partners.”

Friday, 17th April marked a historic step in Australia–Papua New Guinea relations, with PNG completing its internal processes to bring the PNG–Australia Mutual Defence Treaty known as the Pukpuk Treaty into force. The agreement builds on decades of shared history, close cooperation and mutual trust, further strengthening the long-standing security partnership between the two nations. It reflects a joint commitment to support each other and protect national sovereignty. Australia’s High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea and Special Envoy for Pacific Affairs, Mr. Ewen McDonald, who witnessed the signing, described it as a significant milestone. He said the signing by Foreign Minister Justin Tkatchenko marked an important step forward in an already strong and enduring partnership, highlighting both countries’ shared vision for a peaceful, stable and prosperous region. Australia and Papua New Guinea have long worked together on defence and security. The treaty now provides a clearer framework to deepen cooperation, improve coordination between their defence forces, and respond collectively to emerging regional challenges. The Pukpuk Treaty also formally establishes Papua New Guinea as Australia’s newest ally, the first in more than 70 years reinforcing both nations’ commitment to peace, stability and security across the Pacific.

A stoppage-time winner has secured PNG Hekari FC a hard-fought 2–1 victory over second-placed South Melbourne FC in Ba, Fiji, marking their second win of the OFC Pro League campaign. In their final regular season match of the competition, Jerry Allen’s side were determined to end their Fiji stint on a positive note. South Melbourne, meanwhile, were aiming for a win to strengthen their position in the top two, with South Island United closing in just behind. Under sweltering conditions in Ba, the match burst into life early. In the 7th minute, South Melbourne’s Alex Menelaou was shown a red card following a VAR review, reducing the Australian side to ten men. Just a minute later, PNG Hekari capitalized, with Lekima Gonerau unleashing a stunning long-range strike to open the scoring in the 8th minute. Despite the setback, South Melbourne responded with sustained pressure, dominating possession and testing goalkeeper Jake Charlston. Ishveer Singh came close with a curling effort from open play, while Aaron Cocks fired over from distance as they searched for an equalizer before halftime. The visitors made three changes at the break, a move that paid off in the 58th minute when substitute Marco Jankovic levelled the score. He rose highest to meet a corner, heading home to bring South Melbourne back into the contest. Both teams pushed for a winner in an open second half. PNG Hekari’s Logan Biwa nearly restored the lead on the counterattack but saw his shot drift wide, with the offside flag also coming to his rescue. At the other end, South Melbourne continued to threaten, forcing several strong saves from goalkeeper Biasu. With the match seemingly heading for a draw, PNG Hekari struck in stoppage time. Substitute Ati Kepo produced a composed finish after breaking through the defence and rounding the keeper, sealing a dramatic late victory for his side. The result gives PNG Hekari their second win of the OFC Pro League and momentum heading into their Challengers Group campaign in New Zealand. South Melbourne remain on 23 points and will face Tahiti United in their final fixture in Fiji before the league split. South Melbourne FC: 1 (Marco JANKOVIC 58') PNG Hekari FC: 2 (Lekima GONERAU 7’, Ati KEPO 90+1') HT: 1-2